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Capulin Volcano National Monument received $32,400 in FY02 for rural fire assistance to be divided by the four surrounding volunteer fire departments (VFD). One department decided not to participate and this allowed for three departments to receive $10,800.00 each. The three VFDs included Capulin, Folsom and Des Moines and all are within a 10 mile radius of the park and they are our first responders.
The success of this program is the partnership that formed between the local VFDs and Capulin Volcano National Monument. The local fire departments responded enthusiastically to getting this much needed assistance. The park worked throughout the year with the VFDs and several things developed that have been positive for both parties. As a result of working with the VFDs, there is a better understanding of what fire resources are available throughout the area. Local fire departments have tested our equipment for us and come to the park to plan how we would respond as a team in the event of a wildfire. Training partnerships developed and local departments have benefited by attending. The money is also providing resources to local VFDs to obtain much needed training and improve their level of qualifications, increasing their usefulness to the park and increasing their safety.
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